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So many emotions pushed back and forth inside her. He was right. It was high-handed of him. She’d had no say whatsoever.
But had he asked, she’d have refused.
Most of her clothes were still presentable. But she’d not had a new gown since before her mother died. They weren’t the height of fashion, and many were showing wear. It’s why she’d been trying to buy bolts of fabric that day they met on the street. All of her warm clothes were still in Cumberland.
She released a breath. She hadn’t realized until that moment, but she’d been worried what people might think of her at the house party in her old clothes.
He lifted his brows, asking if he might come in.
She hesitated before nodding. It was odd to think he could come into her chambers without it causing a scandal.
He came in and grabbed the chair from the dressing table. Setting it beside the bed, he motioned to the top parcel. “Why do you not open them?”
She hesitated.
When he dipped his head toward the pile, she pulled the first bandbox open and found six new pairs of gloves—two kid and four silk, both long and short. She looked at him as she tugged on one pair. They fit perfectly. “How did you know they would fit?”
“Your father mentioned dismissing your former lady’s maid—Morley, is it?” He gave her a soft smile. “I found her and enlisted her aid. She guided me to the modiste and milliner with your correct measurements.”
Her heart tugged at the mention of Morley. “I’m surprised you did not hire her instead of Hilda—” Was there too much hope in her tone? “Not that I object to Hilda. She seems very proficient.”
He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and his hands clasped in front. “I tried. But she’s already found a new position.” He caught her eye. “I’m sorry. I know you would prefer her. I even tried offering her more money. But she would not be prevailed upon.”
Pippy was not surprised. Morley was a proficient maid. But it was not beneath her to hold grudges. She likely refused Lord Weymouth because she was still angry at Pippy’s father. “Thank you for trying. I wish her well in her new position.”
He turned his head and glanced at her sidelong. “I confess, I would not have such fond feelings toward her. You know she’s punishing you for something your father did.”
She nodded and shrugged. “Yes, and I’ll miss her. But I believe she’s harmed herself more than me. Especially if you offered her more money.” Pippy shook her head. It was not the first time Morley had proverbially cut off her nose to spite her face.
Pippy held up the gloves. “Thank you for this.”
He nodded. “It was the least I could do. I know you believe you are the only one to benefit from our marriage, but I disagree.” He studied her. “You need not check the fit of everything while I’m here.” He grinned when her face warmed. “But I should like to make certain the colors are to your liking.”
She shook her head. “I’m certain I’ll be happy with whatever you decided upon.”
He shrugged. “I’ll admit, Fin was not aptly suited for the task of picking fabrics. He was far more of a distraction than a help.”
Pippy laughed. Gracious, it had been a long time since she’d done that. “I cannot think a modiste’s shop would be to Lord Finsbury’s liking.”
Lord Weymouth shook his head. “You would be correct. I thought the modiste might throw us out before we completed the task.”
Pippy opened the paper of the first parcel under several hatboxes and pulled out a deep blue traveling dress made of thick wool. She held it up in front of her. “It’s lovely.”
“Here are the rest of the packages, my lady,” Hilda said as she deposited another armful.
Pippy raised a brow. “This is too much, my lord. I can’t accept it.”
“May we dispense with the formalities? I give you leave to call me Frederick or…Freddie.” He lifted a hand. “And it’s not too much. I don’t wish to hear another word about it.”
She lifted her finger to her lips and looked up at him in uncertainty. “If you prefer. You may use my Christian name.”
One corner of his mouth ticked up. “Capital.” He stood up and returned the chair to the dressing table, then bowed. “And now I shall leave you to your maid. But I’ll see you on the morrow. We’ll depart for Yorkshire at first light.”
Pippy hugged the traveling dress to her. “Good night, my lord.” But then she smiled. “Frederick.”
He paused at the doorframe and winked. “Good night, Phoebe.”
Six
